By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn
WHAT prompted the government`s change of heart at the eleventh hour that led to the announcement about the reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry?
Whatever other factors may have been at play, we also know that America, Britain and the Pakistan Army were active behind the scenes.
Continue reading The task before Justice Chaudhry
By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn
The theme of International Women`s Day on March 8 is `women and men united to end violence against women and girls`.
It is quite ironic that at a time when the UN is focusing on eliminating violence against women, the Pakistan government and the army have sought to buy peace in Swat by surrendering in this once idyllic valley many of the rights and freedoms women have won over the years in the country.
Continue reading For the women of Swat
By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn
FOR the Women`s Action Forum, 2008 was a landmark year. Three new chapters were launched in Hyderabad, Sukkur and Khairpur. To celebrate this expansion, 50 women from the new chapters and WAF Karachi met in Hyderabad for their first Sindh convention on Feb 14.
This amounted to making a strong political statement on women`s rights — WAF refused to be intimidated at a time when the Taliban were having a field day in Swat.
Continue reading Women decide to fight back
By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn
On Pakistan Day, the nation will be presented with a gift from the government — a new education policy. The education minister told the media the other day that the draft policy had been sent to the provincial governments for their feedback.
The assurances Mir Hazar Khan Bajarani held out amounted to offering the people the moon. Hence disappointment may be in store.
Continue reading Education policy, will it work?
By Zubeida Mustafa
Source: Dawn
DR A.Q. KHAN, who is a hero to many as the father of Pakistan`s atom bomb, was declared a free citizen by the Islamabad High Court last week. The government has said it will appeal against the ruling.
Yet many rejoiced at Dr Khan`s winning his freedom that was said to be limited by mutually agreed conditions imposed on him by the government. The scientist has promised to spend his days spreading education though it is not clear what his message will be.
Continue reading Dr Khan’s new mission